#BeingAFan #sports #SportsFans #CrossingALine #MakingALiving
A Modelo beer TV ad implies that being a (sports) fan is a full-time job.

There is much sacrifice and effort, but when you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life, the ad implies.

The ad also begs the question: if you are a full-time fan, how are you making a living?

There is certainly nothing wrong with being a sports or any other kind of fan. There’s nothing wrong with being a dedicated fan. After all, the word “fan” is short for fanatic.

But excessive fandom can cross a line. The love you have for your team, or whatever pursuit, can easily convert to hatred for opposing teams, or their fans.

Such hatred can manifest itself in ugly ways. So, you want to be a dedicated fan without hating fans of something of which you are not a fan.

Regarding the other question, is your fandom keeping you from pursuing other worthwhile things like, say, a job?

Many employers would love to have your enthusiasm. If you can convert your enthusiasm for sports, or something else, to a job, would you like to?

Certainly, that’s a loaded question. Many see a job as a means to an end. Others see a job as giving them purpose in life. Still others just love what they do and, as a bonus, get paid for it.

As a fan, one does not get paid. One gets his or her satisfaction in other ways.

As a fan of your job, or your employer, getting paid makes your satisfaction so much sweeter.

If you can’t be a fan of your job, try to find ways to make work more pleasant. Find pleasure in your relationship with coworkers. Find worthiness in the tasks you perform. Find joy in the customers you may serve. Just as it takes work to be a fan, it may take work to find rewards in how you make a living.

Yes, there are tasks that have to be done at any job that can siphon pleasure out of your work. Fans have to endure some losses, yet they don’t stop being fans.

So, think about not only how you use your time, but how you use your enthusiasm. Is what you are enthusiastic about all worth it?

Also, you can be enthusiastic about multiple things. Make sure you are enthusiastic about as many things that benefit you, and others, as possible.

Root for your team, or whatever pursuit gives you pleasure. But, apply some of your valuable time and enthusiasm to helping others, and taking care of yourself.

Don’t hate others because the love what you don’t. Such hatred can be toxic to your persona.

Remember, enthusiasm applied properly can change the world. Enthusiasm begets effort. Effort also begets enthusiasm.

Being a fan is a hobby. Being enthusiastic can bring you untold success.

Peter